Middle Georgia gun sales rise as holidays approach

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Gun sales are on the rise in Middle Georgia. With Christmas only two days away, some people are buying them as gifts for others.

Hamp Dowling from the Eagle Gun Range in Macon said he’s been selling guns to a variety of people recently. First time gun owners and people adding to their collection are heading to the store this holiday season. Dowling explained lot of those purchases are gifts for family members. He advises people to familiarize themselves with other state’s gun laws if they’re gifting them to someone who doesn’t live in Georgia.

Buying the gun for someone can be simple.

“You may purchase the gun. We will do a background check on you unless you have your Georgia carry license,” said Dowling.

The paper you fill out isn’t a registration.

“We don’t have a registration like they do in some of the northern states. What we have is just a list of who buys what,” explained Dowling.

Dowling advised leaving a paper trail once you give the gun as a gift.

“You need to write it down. I, Alexa, give this gun to Joe and this is the date and this is the serial number. Both of you need a copy of that so in case Joe goes out and does some crime [and] they trace is back to you, they don’t come pick you up,” said Dowling.

The person you’re giving the gun to doesn’t need a background check to receive it.

“It’s a person to person transfer.You don’t have to have a background check for a person to person. You can give a gun to most anyone you want to,” explained Dowling.

Only if the recipient is 21 years or older.

“You have to follow the laws. That’s just common sense,” said Dowling.

Dowling added you should know other state’s gun laws if the person you’re giving the firearm to doesn’t live in Georgia. 

“Some of your other states don’t allow you to have high capacity magazine. There are just certain restrictions. You have to follow the rules for the state that you’re in,” said Dowling.

If you don’t follow the law, both the gift giver and the recipient could face charges.

To view state laws click here. 

To get a carry permit in Georgia you need to go to the courthouse, fill out the paperwork, pay a fee and submit your fingerprints. According to the State of Georgia’s website, the probate court will request a criminal history record check and a background check on you. About 30 days later, law enforcement will finish its background check and determine whether you can receive a license. For more information about applying for a license, click here.